CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers four-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly says he should be ready for full contact when training camp begins following offseason surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Kuechly participated in individual drills during minicamp Tuesday, but was held out of team drills.

The 27-year-old Kuechly called that a "bummer," saying "that's the best part of OTAs and minicamp. But it's still good to be out here."

He elected to wait until after the season to have surgery.

Considered one of the most cerebral linebackers in the league, Kuechly is the anchor of a defense that is perennially ranked in the top 10 in the league. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in five of his six seasons.